Winter Skincare: The Perfect 2-Step-Product Routine

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It’s that time of year again: winter skin. You know, the dry, cracking skin we all dread. If you find yourself Googling “how to hydrate skin”, then you’ve come to the right place! Here are our favorite products for a simple, hydrating winter skincare routine.

Key Takeaways

• Cold air, low humidity, indoor heat, and hot showers all dry out skin in winter.
• A simple two-step routine of a gentle, hydrating cleanser and a good moisturizer goes a long way.
• Look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, and shea butter.
• Apply moisturizer right after washing, and use a humidifier at home.
• If winter triggers eczema or rosacea flares, see a board-certified dermatologist.

Moisturizers and Oils 

Tatcha Moisturizer

The Tatcha moisturizer features Japanese purple rice and gives skin plumping hydration with a dewy, healthy finish. It’s a great pick for dry skin types who want to ward off a dull complexion. 

Neutrogena Moisturizer

This Neutrogena moisturizer is perfect if you don’t want to break the bank. This product is an award-winning and best-selling water gel that quickly and intensely hydrates the face. It also leaves the skin feeling very soft and smooth. 

Laneige Moisturizer

This Laneige product is a healthy way to get some moisture into your skin. This cream contains mineral-rich vegetable extracts to help keep skin hydrated and comfortable. 

First Aid Beauty Moisturizer

First Aid Beauty is one of the fan favorites. Most people love it so much that they go through the tub in no time. This moisturizer is great for flaky, distressed skin. It is made with colloidal oatmeal, an FDA-recognized skin protectant that temporarily relieves itching from eczema and rashes, plus shea butter to help keep moisture locked in. If you have eczema that flares every winter, see a board-certified dermatologist. 

Paulas Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster 

Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster is perfect for those who don’t want to give up their favorite moisturizers but still want that extra boost to make sure their winter skin is hydrated. You can use this product on its own or as a go-to with your favorite creams. Hyaluronic acid attracts and holds onto water, so it plumps the skin and softens the appearance of fine lines. It’s great for bringing dehydrated skin back to life. 

Sunday Riley’s CEO Glow 

Sunday Riley’s CEO Glow truly is the perfect name for these drops. It can take the guesswork out of hydrating your skin, and everyone we’ve recommended it to loves it. This oil is infused with vitamin C, turmeric, and primrose oil, and it absorbs quickly, leaving your skin looking hydrated and glowing. It’s a nice pick for dullness and dry skin, and the vitamin C can help fade dark spots over time. 

Face Wash 

Cera Ve Hydrating Facial Cleanser

This face wash is a go-to for a lot of people out there. It doesn’t break the bank and is a popular choice for dry or sensitive skin. With three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it cleanses without stripping, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth.  

Fresh Soy Makeup Removing Cleanser

If you have dull or dry winter skin, this face wash is worth a try. (Fresh now sells it as Soy Face Cleanser, also listed as Soy Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser.) The highlighted ingredients include soy proteins, cucumber extract, and rosewater. Together, they remove makeup and impurities without leaving skin feeling tight. 

Youth To The People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser

The Youth To The People superfood antioxidant cleanser is perfect if you want a natural glow added to your winter skin. This is an award-winning cleanser made from kale, spinach, and green tea. These antioxidant-rich ingredients help your skin look fresh and glowy, and the gentle gel formula won’t strip it. 

Also, Check Other Important Tips To Prepare Your Skin For the Season

As the seasons change, it’s normal for your skin to undergo some changes as well, which is why you need to prepare your skin. Leaving your skin dry, irritated, and unprotected as the weather turns is a no-go. Studies have shown that fluctuations in humidity — heated homes, the cold outdoors, hot showers, and the chilly autumn breeze — can all affect the texture of your skin so you need to prepare your skin.

These factors can weaken your skin’s barrier and leave it dry and irritated. They can also trigger flare-ups of conditions such as eczema and rosacea, so if your skin flares every winter, check in with a board-certified dermatologist.

Conclusion

Winter skin can be tricky, but a gentle cleanser and a good moisturizer go a long way. Pair these favorites with short, warm (not hot) showers, a humidifier, and daily sunscreen, and you’ll be the glowing goddess everyone asks for winter skin advice.

Sources

• American Academy of Dermatology – Dermatologists’ top tips for relieving dry skin
• Cleveland Clinic – Dry Skin (Xeroderma): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention
• Cleveland Clinic – Hyaluronic Acid: What It Is, Benefits, How To Use & Side Effects
• U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (FDA) – 21 CFR 347.50: Labeling of skin protectant drug products